2 replies to this topic

[Ape-o-sematic]

Hi,

 

I received 3 colonies from a friend for Christmas, non of which have been hibernated. Should I force them in to hibernation now or leave them for this year?

 

They are Lasius flavus, Pheidole pallidula, and Messor capitatus. They're all relatively small colonies, I'd say a max of about 50 workers and the broods are all different size and stages.

 

I've never kept ants so I'll take all the advice you can give me.

 

Thanks

[Manitobant]

The pheidole and messor should be fine, but I’d put in the lasius. Lasius is a much more northern genus compared to messor and pheidole, and thus almost always needs hibernation, as opposed to the south european messor and pheidole which can usually get away without it.

Edited by Manitobant, January 4 2022 - 10:12 AM.

[Ape-o-sematic]

Thank you! I'll get them in a cool spot right away!